In brief: Hatch Road work postponed

A bond issue project to reconstruct Hatch Road between 43rd and 54th avenues is being postponed until late summer so it won’t interrupt traffic during the summer vacation and recreation season, city officials said.

Hatch Road is considered a main connector to the city-owned Creek at Qualchan Golf Course just off U.S. Highway 195 in the Latah Valley.

The project is expected to start after the main part of golfing season ends, said spokeswoman Ann Deasy. The $1.5 million project will involve a full curb-to-curb excavation and rehabilitation. It is part of a $117 million streets bond issue approved by voters in 2004.

– Mike Prager

Manito Park

Park Bench Cafe opens Saturday

The popular Park Bench Cafe in Manito Park will open for the summer on Saturday, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays.

First opened in 1923, the Park Bench offers sandwiches and other light foods and beverages, including free treats and water for dogs.

– From staff reports

Downtown

Woodwork entries to be displayed

For 40 years the Hoo-Hoo Club of Spokane has sponsored a woodworking contest for high school students.

This year the club expects more than 50 entries from area schools. The judging categories include small, medium and large furniture projects as well as specialty items.

The public is invited to view the entries, which will be displayed in the lobby of the Bank of America, 601 W. Riverside Avenue, from May 30 to June 6. The Hoo-Hoo Club plans to host a luncheon, and will award prizes to students for entries in each category.

Jack Eskeberg, an officer in the club, said, “We think the kids deserve the recognition.”

– Cindy Hval

Comments due on council raises

Public comments on a proposal to increase salaries for Spokane City Council members are due by Tuesday at 10 a.m.

A city Salary Review Commission is recommending a pay of $55,000 a year for the City Council president and $30,000 a year for council members, according to a city news advisory.

The commission will reconvene on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in a conference room on the fourth floor of City Hall to consider the proposal.

Comments may be submitted to City Council research analyst Todd Babcock by email at tbabcock@spokanecity.org, by phone at 625-6224, or by mail to his attention at City Council Office, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., 99201.

Council members earn $18,000 a year and the council president $40,000 a year.

– Mike Prager